Weren't they all end of contract? So our options were offer new contract, or watch them leave? Not what I'd quantify as effective squad management! And is Karius worse than Ruddy?!
We'll see. If they get rid of Fraser, Hayden, Lewis and Targett, or maybe just two of those four, that's not too bad. As it stands we have 5 LB's and 5 GK's. Most of whom are crap.
Hall was obligation, that cannot be counted, and Pivas isn't going to impact the first XI either. We've taken on a few youngsters, him included, which coiuld bode well for the future. But I'm purely talking about the ambitions and capability of the first XI, which means ending the window with - at best - Guehi, Osula and Kelly. I think that's crap.